The heat is on if we want to keep the planet viable for generations to come. Australia and California have been in flames lately, Hong Kong and Libya suffer from frequent flooding, climate protests and movements are setting figurative fires across the world to speed up governments and climate regulation. It goes without saying that we need to fight climate change on every front. Moving away from fossil energy sources is the key, but sustainable packaging also plays a role in the battle.
Anyone following the daily news is likely to be distressingly aware of one the biggest threat to our planet and its existence – climate change. The evidence for it can already be seen in the form of extreme weather events, the global temperature rise, and desertification, to mention a few issues. You don’t even have to take our word for it – just take a look at what the UN has to say.
Fossil fuels are a critical factor
Sad to say, the major cause of climate change is human activity. According to the UN, the biggest offenders are fossil fuels, which are responsible for over 75% of greenhouse gas emissions globally.
As National Geographic explains, fossil fuels include non-renewable energy sources such as coal, oil, and natural gas. When burned, they release a huge amount of fossil carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which then heats our only planet. But the world still relies heavily on fossil fuels, as they are necessary for the very things most of us take for granted, like electricity, heating, and various forms of transport.
Food waste is also a serious problem
Agriculture, forestry, and other land use are estimated to account for 13-21% of greenhouse gas emissions. A big portion of this is mainly for agriculture and livestock feed. That said, how often do you find yourself thinking about the planet when scraping those leftovers into the bin?
What we eat generates greenhouse gases – and we cannot escape this. But the fact that nearly a third of all the food is wasted or thrown away should really ring the alarm bells. As the population increases, more food is produced and consumed (and wasted). And as the right kind of packaging helps reduce food waste, the need for more sustainable solutions in this sector is ever-increasing.
Fighting climate change on all fronts
Let’s start on a positive note: it’s not all a catastrophe. Nations worldwide have stepped up their game in preventing greenhouse gases and put in place legislation and initiatives. France has launched a 50-point plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030. Even Pope Francis has stepped up and criticised those who still deny the effects of climate change. Heading to the Nordics, in this case, Finland, sustainable forestry is already helping put a lid on greenhouse gases by functioning as a carbon sink and storage and significantly slowing down climate change.
So, let’s keep up the good progress! Besides, moving towards fossil-free energy resources is vital for several reasons. Obviously, to deal with the emerging climate crisis, but also to meet the ever-increasing need for affordable and accessible energy before we run out of coal, oil, and gas. Or can you imagine what would happen if this world fails to provide energy for all of us who occupy it?
Another pressing matter linked to the increasing population and urbanisation is to find solutions for more renewable, recyclable, or reusable packaging. We have to find ways to package so that fossil-based materials like plastic are replaced as much as possible and a minimum of food and other waste is created.
But to be honest, the packaging itself has a minor carbon footprint compared to the packaged product. The most critical choices are made in our own homes, so please remember: thou shalt not waste. Need more affirmation? Visit the food waste calculator to get convinced.
What can I do as a consumer?
We must keep in mind the contributions of private citizens in fighting for our viable planet. Every day is a chance to decide; are you a part of the solution or the problem? It might be a big decision and investment, or just a small and ordinary thing – as long as you feel comfortable and are sure that you can commit.
- Consider powering your home with a heat pump or renewable energy like wind or solar. Save energy when possible and make sure your home has good insulation.
- Make a few everyday changes, like minimizing food waste, eating more vegetarian meals, and walking, biking, or taking the bus to work every now and then.
- Prefer recyclable and renewable packaging solutions.
